Foreign Workers Research Articles

Here to stay? The rapid evolution of the temporary staffing market in Iceland

In recent years there has been a significant shortage of workers in Iceland. The traditional method of arranging temporary work, through direct contracts between employees and employers, has not sufficed. Moreover, there is a skills mismatch that compounds the shortage of workers as the sectors that have grown most rapidly in recent years mainly employ unskilled labor. This study examined the historical background of temporary work in Iceland, recent developments and in particular the growing importance of temporary staffing agencies, as well as the economic rationale for temporary staffing agencies, and the segmented labor market in Iceland. The study employs expert opinion approach, together with content and statistical analysis. Experts placed strongest emphasis on temporary workforce dependency on economic conditions, closely followed by sector triggered temporary workforce fluctuation. Socio-legal infrastructure for temporary workforce had the third strongest emphasis with other themes being less emphasized. These dramatic changes to the Icelandic labor market have undoubtedly had a significant impact on Icelandic society but there is surprisingly little research available into this. The efforts of unions and the Federation of Employees have helped to push through legislation on temporary staffing agencies and the rights of foreign workers, however, as long as there is economic rationale for their operation and a legal and regulatory framework that accommodates them the agencies can be expected to continue bringing temporary staff to Iceland. The impact on the labor market and society thus seems likely to be permanent.

Impact assessment of COVID-19 and PMO15 on labour in the plantation-wood processing sector in Lao PDR with policy recommendations

The primary objective of this research was to 1) explore the impacts of COVID-19 on availability of, and demand for, labor in the plantation-wood processing sector in Lao PDR; 2) the Government and industry response measures to COVID-19; and 3) the impacts of 2016 Prime Ministers’ Order (No. 15/PM, PMO15) aimed at addressing illegal logging and controlling log exports were also considered, as representative of a similar ‘shock’ to the sector. The research, undertaken in Vientiane Capital City, adopted a mainly qualitative methodology utilizing literature reviews and semi-structured interviews to gather data from the government, industry and workers. Micro, small and medium sized companies and their employees were surveyed. The research found that Lao wood manufacturers were affected by the shutdowns in response to COVID-19 and there were follow-on effects up and down value chains. The experiences of Laos were found to be similar to those experienced in wood producing countries globally. Supply issues and access to markets were key factors impacting the ability of factories to continue to operate and retain workers. Government protection measures were effective but challenging to implement, and access to support was difficult. Impacts on male and female differed. Awareness of, and access to, mandatory social security insurance by workers was very low. Other forms of social ‘safety-net’ were more apparent and important, including company-based programs, charity, and family/self-help. Improved dissemination of information about the need for, and benefits of, social security should occur to mitigate future shocks. The high dependence on foreign workers to fill skilled jobs in the sector remains an issue. Coupled with reforms in response to PMO15, to improve factory and product standards and ongoing export restrictions, there is a need further build Lao skills and capacity. Current efforts to up-skill Lao workers for employment in emerging wood product industries must be maintained, and improved recognition of Lao-acquired competencies is needed. Market needs analysis including the development of product dossiers is required together with the building of relevant technical expertise. Without this the Lao wood processing sector will be remain vulnerable to future shocks.

Effectiveness of Performance Appraisal in Multinational Companies

A strategic HRM method called international performance appraisal (IPA) helps multinationalcorporations (MNCs) to regularly assess and enhance corporate, subsidiary, and individual performance inrelation to well-defined, predetermined goals. An incentive structure established by an effective IPA canguarantee that foreign workers and foreign subsidiaries are operating in the best interests of the parent firm.Information asymmetry and goal incongruence between the parent firm and its subsidiaries are theprimary causes of IPA's complexity. MNCs can select from a variety of IPA approaches, and theseapproaches are influenced by a host of firm-specific and host-contextual factors. Even though IPAs arewidely acknowledged to be important, most MNCs have not handled IPAs well.

An Exploration of Gary Snyders English Translation of Han Shans Poems from the Perspective of Manipulation Theory

This essay delves into Gary Snyders English translation of Han Shans poems from lens of the manipulation theory. The manipulation theory, originated in the field of translation studies, argues that translations are not mere reproductions of the original texts but are shaped by various ideological, cultural and historical factors. From the perspective of Lefeveres manipulation theory, translators and their translation activities are inevitably manipulated by three elements: ideology, poetics and patronage. Han Shan, a Tang Dynasty poet renowned for his Zen Buddhist-influenced works, has gained significant attention from translators including Snyder, a leading figure in the American Beat Generation and a profound student of Zen Buddhism. In examining Snyders translation, the essay explores the embodiment and influence of ideology, poetics and patronage. By employing Manipulation of Translation, this essay aims to provide a nuanced understanding of Snyders translation and sheds new light on how translators, like Snyder, can serve as cultural mediators, shaping our understanding and appreciation of foreign literary works.

Barriers to Trade Union Participation among Indonesian foreign Workers in Malaysia

Barriers to Trade Union Participation among Indonesian foreign Workers in Malaysia

Immigrant labour, rural economies, and the question of housing

AbstractThere is a renewed interest in policy initiatives that aim to ruralize and regionalize immigration in Canada. These efforts are visible through temporary foreign worker programs linked to Provincial Nominee Programs, as well as the increase in the number of refugee resettlement programs in smaller communities. Against this backdrop, cities in Canada are experiencing a housing crisis. There is a tacit assumption that immigrants in smaller and more rural settings will fare better with respect to housing. This paper examines the assumptions underpinning efforts to ruralize and regionalize immigration—namely that immigrants to smaller centres will find more affordable and available housing. By presenting two case studies of small towns that have successfully leveraged immigration to meet their labour market needs, this paper demonstrates that housing remains a critical issue for newcomers, even outside of large urban centres. Further, the paper argues that discussions about housing need to be linked to broader policy conversations about immigration and labour, especially in contexts where transnational corporations leverage immigration and temporary labour programs to secure their workforce, without parallel investments in infrastructure and housing.

A Bibliometric Analysis of Foreign Workers and Construction Development in the Current Era

A Bibliometric Analysis of Foreign Workers and Construction Development in the Current Era

Migrant workers’ perception and awareness of health insurance coverage in Brunei Darussalam

BackgroundMigrant workers are recognized as a vulnerable group of population in the context of accessibility to healthcare services as they are likely to experience multiple challenges and barriers. This study aimed to assess the awareness and perceived knowledge on health insurance coverage among documented migrant workers in Brunei Darussalam.MethodsThis cross-sectional, interviewer-administered study used a pre-designed questionnaire on migrant workers attending the Foreign Worker Health Screening Centre from June until September 2019. Data were analyzed for association between perceived insurance status on health-seeking behavior.ResultsThe study obtained responses from 469 documented migrant workers (93.8%). 75.1% reported being aware of and having health insurance coverage; and of these, 57.1% were aware of the type of health insurance cover they had. 45.5% and 50.6% had poor knowledge whether their health insurance covered for hospitalization or outpatient expenses, respectively. No significant association was found between the migrant workers’ perceived status of insurance and not seeking medical care due to financial barriers (p > 0.05).ConclusionsA high proportion of documented migrant workers in Brunei Darussalam reported knowledge of having health insurance; however, there was lack of awareness on its actual coverage. By including migrants’ health in a nation’s healthcare governance, the health rights of migrant workers can be addressed thus aiming to achieve universal health coverage for all individuals.

Education Service for Children of Unregistered Indonesian Migrant Workers in Malaysia

Following registration records for the 2022 Unlicensed Foreign Worker Recalibration Program (PATI), 418,649 Indonesian citizens are participating in the labour recalibration program in Malaysia, so this will have a negative impact, namely an increase in the number of children of Indonesian migrant workers. Malaysian immigration authorities do not allow all migrant workers to invite their families to come live in Malaysia. This causes migrant workers' children to feel ostracized, discriminated against and denied their right to education due to a lack of access to education and love from their parents. The research aims to explore the role of government in providing educational services. The research method is descriptive and qualitative. The subjects of this research were the Indonesian and Malaysian governments, the children of unregistered immigrant workers in several guidance studios, and migrant workers. Data was collected through interviews, observation, and documentation. Data analysis techniques include data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The research results found that the rights of Indonesian citizens and children have been fulfilled, such as access to education. Fulfilling these needs is achieved through the role of government, such as establishing formal and non-formal schools to foster a sense of comfort and protection. In addition, the government, with its role, can create appropriate policies to provide rights and safety to the children of unregistered immigrant workers

Tourism and Urban Development: The case of a coastal village in a small island state

This paper discusses how Marsascala, a coastal town in Malta, has been urbanized over the years, with particular attention to the development of the tourist industry. Young’s (1983) “general model of the process of ‘touristization’ and landscape change” is engaged with to study the impact of tourism development on the locality and local community. Different research methods were used, including qualitative interviews via thematic analysis, fieldwork, orthophoto maps, and analysis of secondary data. Findings show that tourism plays a major role in the local economy. Overdevelopment and population increase (fuelled by tourism and influx of foreign workers) are major challenges in the locality. The former fishing village has as a result reached stage six (intensive tourism consolidation) of Young's model. While more services are available to locals and visitors, the quality of life in the locality is deteriorating. This has raised questions about the need to redevelop the Jerma Hotel which will partly be a real estate project. The authors propose a seventh stage to Young’s model - ‘real estatation’ whereby more areas are taken over by real estate projects including for short-term rentals. This paper is linked to the EU Cost Action CA221222 Rethinking the Blue Economy: Socio-Ecological Impacts and Opportunities (RethinkBlue), in particular in relation to the themes covered by Working Group 3 - Port cities & coastal communities.

Sosialisasi Proctor Ujian Kompetensi Bahasa Jepang Internasional di SMA Kesatrian 2 Semarang

As one of the requirements to work in Japan, mastery of the Japanese language is very important. The Japan government stipulates that foreign workers entering Japan must have Japan language skills. The JLPT (Noryokushiken) is a Japan Language Proficiency Test held in Japan and abroad to evaluate and certify the ability of non-native Japan speakers to speak Japan. In Indonesia, especially Semarang, the implementation of the JLPT Exam is coordinated by Dian Nuswantoro University and in collaboration with Kesatrian 2 High School as the location of the JLPT exam and involves Kesatrian High School teachers to be used as assistant exam supervisors. The requirement to become a proctor is to understand all the rules during the exam process. Because the teachers of Kesatrian 2 High School have never been assistant supervisors of the JLPT exam before, there is a need for socialization about the rules of the JLPT exam. With this socialization, the assistant supervisors can carry out their duties in accordance with the rules set by the Japan government.

ASEAN in the World’s 100 Top-Ranked Pension Funds: Lessons for Indonesia

The research explored the pension funds of Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam, which had managed to exceed Indonesia’s total pension fund assets under management despite having smaller populations and workforces. With Indonesia aiming to increase its pension funds to 60% of its GDP by 2045, the research aimed to extract lessons from the investment strategies, governance structures, and other key indicators of the pension funds in these three ASEAN countries to aid in achieving Indonesia’s target. This research utilized a document analysis method to gather data on top-ranking pension funds in ASEAN countries, including the Central Provident Fund (Singapore), Employees Provident Fund (Malaysia), Social Insurance Funds (Vietnam), and BPJS Ketenagakerjaan (Indonesia), with qualitative and descriptive statistics methods employed for data analysis. This research has found that Singapore and Malaysia excel in managing their pension fund accounts by offering innovative services tailored to meet the needs of their citizens. Singapore has special home ownership and asset management accounts with a strong social media presence. Malaysia offers both conventional and Sharia-based services, including services for the hajj, which cater to the religious needs of its Muslim population. Meanwhile, Vietnam has a more inclusive system that covers foreign workers, similar to Indonesia’s, but demands that foreign workers join the program should align with available program information in English.

Analyzing the Dynamics between Foreign Exchange Reserves, Trade Balance, Workers Remittances and Balance of Payments in Nepal

This study explores the intricate dynamics among foreign exchange reserves, trade balance, workers' remittances, and the balance of payments (BOP) in Nepal, crucial for economic stability and policy formulation in a developing economy. Utilizing data from the Nepal Rastra Bank spanning from June 2017 to April 2024, the research employs statistical and econometric methods, including the Phillips-Perron test, ARDL model, Error Correction Model (ECM), and Granger causality analysis, to investigate the relationships and causal interactions among these variables. Key findings reveal significant long-term relationships, particularly highlighting how foreign exchange reserves are influenced by the trade balance and workers' remittances. The results suggest that maintaining optimal foreign exchange reserves is vital for mitigating trade and BOP deficits, which, in turn, impacts economic stability. The study's insights are crucial for policymakers aiming to develop strategies that enhance economic growth and resilience in Nepal.

Mechanisms for regulating external labor migration within the framework of the existing functionality of the regions of the Russian Federation

The author examines in detail the regional legal regulation of external labor migration in the Russian Federation, taking into account the transformation of the main tasks of the state migration policy of the Russian Federation at the present stage. The object of the study is external labor migration in modern Russia, the subject of the study is the mechanisms of regulation of external labor migration at the regional level. The study examines the legislative foundations of both a complete ban on the involvement of foreign workers in temporary employment, and a partial ban related to certain areas of economic activity. The author also considers the possibilities of regulating the cost of obtaining permits (licenses) and developing alternative programs for external labor migration related to the introduction of organized, targeted and returnable external migration. As methods of scientific research, political, legal and institutional analysis were applied, as well as a systematic method used to study public administration in the field of migration. The systematization of the existing restrictive tools in the field of external labor migration, which can currently be used by the authorities of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, has been carried out by the author. The features of the implementation of each of the considered mechanisms are revealed. A new approach in the field of management of external labor migration is proposed, related to the development of regional programs for the organized involvement of foreign citizens in temporary work on the territory of the subjects of the Russian Federation on the basis of existing international agreements. The potential positive trends associated with the introduction of organized recruitment mechanisms in the context of the transition to a segregationist model of migration policy, which is currently being successfully applied in a number of Arab States, such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, are predicted.

The politics of immigration policy in Malaysia: What is behind the foreign worker’s administration?

The formation and implementation of migration policy cannot avoid being influenced by political elements, particularly political actors who have a direct or indirect interest in migration issues. Previous studies show that the influence on the administration and migration policy of a country has created the concept of ‘client politics’, that is, employers have a certain influence on the administration of foreign workers, especially in western countries. This situation has also created two groups which are pro-migrants consisting of employers, fundamental rights groups and trade unions; and anti-migrants are often associated with bureaucrats, nationalists and others. This study has used qualitative methods and has interviewed the informants consisting of government agencies, academics, employers, trade unions and NGOs. The results of the study show that those actors have a certain influence on the management of foreign workers including in the aspects of policy making and implementation. The concept of ‘client politics’ is seen to only apply to certain sectors, especially the manufacturing sector. Therefore, practically in Malaysia it is considered as ‘sectoral client politics’. In conclusion, the influence of both groups is not pursuing the interests of the country but rather on the interests of their respective sectors and entities.

The Youth Inner Mission and the Soli Deo Gloria

From the 19th century, as a parallel field of foreign missionary work, the Hungarian inner mission followed Western (English, German) models and established associations to revive the stagnating religious life and to help those less fortunate in a miserable situation. The urbanisation of the period affected greatly the families moving to the capital, where some of them had become disconnected from their church roots, and the lack of a social safety net led to a high level of poverty and the moral decay that accompanied it. In the first half of my study, I looked at the beginnings of the Hungarian inner mission and then I wrote about evangelising and educating associations for youth and children, such as the Protestant Orphans’ Association, the Sunday School Association and the Christian Youth Association, which was modelled on the YMCA. In the second part, I discussed the social and faith-based activities of the specifically Hungarian Reformed Soli Deo Gloria Student Movement. Keywords: inner mission, youth ministry, Reformed Church, SDG, communism

Do former employees of foreign MNEs boost incumbent workers’ wages in domestic firms?

AbstractThis paper examines whether there are wage spillovers from workers with experience in foreign multinational enterprises (MNEs) to incumbent workers in domestic firms. Using administrative panel data from Ireland, I examine possible heterogeneity for such spillovers across the wage distribution using quantile regressions. I begin by using existing methodology and find that, once industry-year and region-year dummies are added as control variables, the average wage spillover effect on incumbents from former foreign MNE workers moving to domestic firms disappears. Quantile regression results suggest that there are positive spillovers for incumbent workers in the top 50% of the wage distribution only. This indicates that foreign MNEs increase inequality through spillovers to domestic firms via labour mobility.

Contextualizing Fair Migration in Malaysia: From Sovereign Migration Governance Toward Developmental Global Migration Governance

This paper proposes that fair migration governance in Malaysia reflects a gradual shift from sovereign migration governance towards developmental global migration governance. It examines three approaches the Malaysian government takes to enhance migrant rights protection: concluding a zero-cost migration memorandum of understanding (MoU), digitalizing the recruitment process for foreign workers, and introducing joint liability schemes for employers and private employment agencies. These approaches are a significant move towards rights-based solutions, consistent with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 10.7: Facilitate orderly, safe, regular, and responsible migration and SDG 8.8: Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers. Document analysis examines data from official documents and legislations, reports from international organizations, statements from migrant advocacy organizations and trade unions, parliamentary debates, and newspaper articles. The findings have two implications. First, it reflects a central shift in the conceptualization of Malaysia’s labor migration industry from a business model to a rights protection model through eliminating intermediaries. Second, it illustrates the transition of Malaysia’s migration policy from sovereign migration governance to developmental global migration governance. In the Malaysian case study, policy changes are both the consequence of a top-down statist approach and global and societal movements toward developmental global migration governance.

Dynamic agglomeration effects of foreigners and natives – The role of experience in high-quality sectors, tasks and establishments

We analyze whether the benefits of work experience that was acquired in denser locations can be explained by the quality of jobs that can be found in agglomerations using administrative data on individual employment biographies of workers in Germany. We find that 79% of the premium for work experience gained in the densest regions can be ascribed to the sectors, tasks and establishments in which experience was acquired. Moreover, we find that foreign and native workers, on average, benefit to a similar extent from dynamic agglomeration effects. However, low-skilled foreign workers receive a lower return to experience gained in dense regions than observationally identical natives. This difference can be explained by the fact that the former gain work experience in lower-quality jobs.

Psychological Distress and Associated Factors among Technical Intern Trainees in Japan: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Japan is experiencing significant demographic shifts due to an aging and declining population. In 1993, the Japanese Government introduced the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) to accept foreign national workers. While the number of technical intern trainees under this program has constantly increased, many of them face challenges in their daily lives, such as stress, health insecurities and limited access to healthcare. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the mental well-being of technical intern trainees, focusing on psychological distress and its related factors. This study included 304 technical intern trainees from 12 prefectures in Japan, and was conducted from August 2021 to October 2021. We used self-administered questionnaires in the participants' native languages to assess their sociodemographic conditions, health-related conditions such as health insecurities and healthcare-seeking behaviors, and psychological distress. The K6 Kessler Psychological Distress Scale was applied to evaluate the levels of psychological distress. Among the participants, 26.3% had moderate psychological distress and 2.3% had severe psychological distress. In addition, about 15% of the participants reported health insecurities and did not see a doctor despite wanting to. The multivariate model of logistic regression revealed significant associations between psychological distress and female gender (AOR 2.62, 95% CI 1.12-6.12), nationality other than Vietnamese (AOR 4.85, 95% CI 2.60-9.07), tough financial conditions (AOR 2.23, 95% CI 1.18-4.19), experiencing health insecurity (AOR 2.21, 95% CI 1.04-4.66) and the health behavior of refraining from seeking medical care (AOR 3.06, 95% CI 1.49-6.30). The top reasons for refraining from seeking medical care were the participants' limited knowledge about the healthcare system in Japan and their worries about medical bills. These findings highlight the necessity to extend mental health support services, including counseling services, and share information about Japan's healthcare system to supply medical services to the targeted technical intern trainee population.